The Spirit of our Community: Tony & Amber Bender

For more than 30 years, Tony and Amber Bender have called this community home. Along the way, they have become known not only as business owners and nonprofit leaders, but as neighbors dedicated to bringing people together, serving others, and making a lasting difference.

Tony and Amber are owners of The Pickleball Zone, Houston’s newest indoor-only pickleball sports complex, located in Porter. The facility features 10 indoor pickleball courts, a sports bar, golf simulator, and gathering spaces designed to bring people together. But for the Benders, The Pickleball Zone is about much more than sports.

The name itself carries special meaning. Tony’s father owned a local baseball training business called The Zone and was well known throughout the community. After his passing in 2021, the business was sold. When the opportunity came to open their pickleball facility, Tony and Amber chose to include “The Zone” in the name as a tribute to his father’s legacy and the impact he made on so many lives.

What has happened since opening has exceeded their expectations.

“We often joke that we have 500 new friends,” Amber shared. “People from all different walks of life, all ages, and all skill levels have come together. Not too long ago they were complete strangers, and now they are traveling together, spending weekends together, and building real friendships.”

That sense of connection is exactly what makes The Pickleball Zone special. It has become a gathering place where people can stay active, build relationships, and find a sense of belonging.

While The Pickleball Zone helps create community through recreation, Addi’s Faith Foundation, their nonprofit serves the community in a much deeper and more personal way.

Founded in 2008, Addi’s Faith Foundation was established in honor of Tony and Amber’s daughter, Addison Faith. In 2007, Addi was diagnosed with a brain tumor before her second birthday. Despite enduring difficult treatments, she remained full of love, joy, and faith. Sadly, Addi passed away just weeks before turning two years old.

Rather than allowing tragedy to define their story, the Benders turned their grief into a mission to help other families facing childhood cancer.

Today, Addi’s Faith Foundation provides financial assistance, meals, emotional support, and research funding for families battling childhood cancer. The organization has given more than $1 million in family assistance, contributed more than $3 million toward cancer research, and impacted over 1,000 families. In 2025 alone, the foundation provided more than $242,000 in family financial assistance, funded $325,000 in research efforts, and delivered 760 meals to families in need.

Last year alone, the foundation raised $1 million for pediatric brain tumor research at MD Anderson Cancer Center. On average, the organization distributes nearly $20,000 each month helping families navigate one of life’s most difficult journeys.

At the heart of both their small business and nonprofit is the same belief that people are stronger when they come together.

“Our community is very generous with donating, volunteering, and helping,” said Amber. “One of the things we love most about this area is how connected everyone is. There are so many links between people, organizations, churches, and businesses. When someone needs help, this community shows up,” said Tony.

That spirit of generosity continues to fuel the foundation’s work and its growing list of community events.

This September, Addi’s Faith Foundation will host its inaugural Gold Ribbon Gala at Hotel ZaZa in Houston. The event will celebrate the progress made in childhood cancer research while raising funds for future breakthroughs and family support programs.

The community is also invited to participate in the Addi’s Faith Turkey Trot 5K & Kids 1K on Thanksgiving morning. Last year’s event welcomed 2,475 participants and raised more than $99,000. The Benders are proud to continue this beloved tradition after another local nonprofit entrusted the event to their organization.

Another community favorite is the 5th Annual Holiday Home Tour, taking place December 4 and 5. Guests will tour beautifully decorated homes throughout Kingwood while enjoying music, holiday treats, visits with Santa, and other festive surprises. Every ticket purchased helps support the fight against childhood cancer.

As they reflect on their journey, Tony and Amber remain humbled by the support they have received over the years.

Whether through a pickleball match, a holiday event, a fundraising gala, or helping a family facing childhood cancer, their mission remains the same: creating places where people belong and making a difference one relationship at a time.

The Benders would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the community for its tremendous support throughout the years. They know none of this would be possible without the volunteers, donors, participants, business partners, and neighbors who continue to stand beside them in both celebration and service.

To learn more about The Pickleball Zone, visit thepbz.com. To learn more about Addi’s Faith Foundation or get involved in its mission, visit addisfaith.org.